Pakistan will emerge as a major nuclear power, says US think tank

WASHINGTON: American think tanks have stated that Pakistan will emerge as a major nuclear power and also expressed its concern over promotion of Islamic extremism in the country, ARY News reported.

According to ARY News correspondent in Washington Jahanzaib Ali, the report published by Heritage Foundation and Hudson Institute has advised the Trump administration to link conditions for the US cooperation and financial aid to the country.

The report also advised the US government to attach strings with the aid to Pakistan to pressurize the country to act against the outlawed groups, jihadi outfits and to ensure the rights of minorities and cooperation with the international community.

Lisa Curtis of Heritage Foundation mentioned that the administration of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is heading towards the correct path to eradicate extremism and increase bilateral cooperation with the neigbouring countries.

Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States Hussain Haqqani — in the report by Hudson Institute — termed Pakistan an emerging nuclear power and also expressed his concerns on the promotion of Islamic extremism in the country.

The top officials of Pakistan Embassy have called the report partial and disagreed with its findings. They also pointed out Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

During the question and answer session, Pakistani officials questioned Haqqani and Curtis in a harsh tone whereas one person was shown the door over misconduct.

Several American experts present in the audience were of the opinion that Pakistan’s importance for peace and stability in the region could not be ignored.